An explosion set off by fireworks has killed at least three people in a residential neighbourhood in Honolulu, Hawaii, marking a tragic start to the new year on the island of Oahu. Two were pronounced dead on the scene.
The blast happened just after midnight local time (10:00 GMT) on Wednesday, as revellers celebrated the arrival of New Year’s Day. As many as 20 others were injured.
The explosion took place at a house, and drone footage of the blast shows a profusion of fireworks erupting into a column of smoke against the night sky.
Jim Ireland, the director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department, said he saw many burns and “blast-type injuries” when he arrived at the site of the explosion, including from shrapnel.
“I’ve been in the EMS [emergency medical services] for over 30 years, and this is probably the worst call I’ve ever been on, as far as just the immense tragedy and amount of patients and the severity of the injuries,” Ireland said.
He explained that the injuries required a “massive response”. Ireland’s department deployed 10 ambulances, and he noted the presence of ambulances from the federal fire department as well.
The explosion took place not far from a joint base for the United States Air Force and Navy. Fire engines from nearby Pearl Harbor responded to the scene.
At a news conference, Justin Brownfield, a representative for the Honolulu Fire Department, said his agency also sent eight units and two battalion chiefs. He described “massive wreckage” at the site.
“The initial units on scene were confronted by dozens of victims, including many who were critical,” Ireland said, describing his initial impressions of the scene.
United Arab Emirates Dirham Exchange Rate
